This once admired film has not aged well. Like so many other British films of the period, it is a bleak depressing "slice of life" kitchen sink drama. The main family, as always in these things, is deeply unhappy and held together by reasons other than love. Such things make pieces beloved of critics but are such a reduction of human relationships. There is something dissatisfying about watching a group of miserable people live miserably.
The role of Archie Rice is a somewhat iconic one for Olivier. His performance is very good. Archie completely dominates this and as usual with Osbourne he seems to be a cipher for Osbourne himself. Very self- centred. Other characters are rather under developed, particularly Archie's young love interest who seems to be introduced simply so she could appear in the movie poster, a misleading piece of fake news of the time to try and persuade potential movie goers that the film is more interesting than it actually is. The girl disappears very quickly and is never seen again.
Ultimately this is like watching a long episode of East Enders, only more depressing.
The role of Archie Rice is a somewhat iconic one for Olivier. His performance is very good. Archie completely dominates this and as usual with Osbourne he seems to be a cipher for Osbourne himself. Very self- centred. Other characters are rather under developed, particularly Archie's young love interest who seems to be introduced simply so she could appear in the movie poster, a misleading piece of fake news of the time to try and persuade potential movie goers that the film is more interesting than it actually is. The girl disappears very quickly and is never seen again.
Ultimately this is like watching a long episode of East Enders, only more depressing.